http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_...l#Cessna_177RG
Almost bought one back in the day. Distinction: "
Unbraced High Wing"...no struts like all other Cessna's. (Save one..the Larger Centurion). The first "Cardinal" introduced had a 150 HP engine which turned out to be underpowered. The next one was 180 HP..better
NB
EDIT: Video of a Cessna Cardinal RG taking off. Look
Closely at HOW the undercarriage retracts. Kinda like a Bumblebee retracts it's legs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyz-rRHiVRI